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Original poster

Support thread for those trying to sell their house, without much luck

26 replies

NewDirectionNeeded · 25/08/2018 13:29

Hi,

Ours has been on the market for 3 months. Had one offer, but was quickly retracted (2 days- gutted!) and probably around 20-25 viewings.

All the same feedback- too expensive or upstairs too small. Obviously can't do much about the latter, but we've just reduced the price by 15k.

We always assumed, very naively it seems, that our house would sell quickly, because of its location- good schools, next to a train station with straight lines to kings cross, but we've just not had the interest we had hoped for and to be perfectly honest, it's really getting me down.

I think I was expecting a flurry of interest yesterday after we reduced, but so far, nothing. Again, I'm probably just being unrealistic.

Anyway, just thought I'd start a thread for those of you in the same or similar situation, to come and vent, exchange stories and experiences and hopefully, hear some happy endings Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 25/08/2018 15:09

Hopeful bump..

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Snog · 25/08/2018 15:44

School holidays are always a slow time.
Where are you?

Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 25/08/2018 16:02

We're in Cambridgeshire, snog.

Yes, apparently school holidays are ridiculously slow, which I hadn't really taken into consideration tbh. I think I just assumed it would sell quicker in the summer, because the garden is or should be, a big selling point.

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KateGrey · 25/08/2018 16:05

Would it help to post a link? We’re just south of Cambridge and ours took three months to sell. It’s very slow at the moment.

Snog · 25/08/2018 20:14

Cambridge prices are very flat / falling I think - I'm in Cambridge too

Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 26/08/2018 13:26

Kate, 3 months sounds pretty good! I can't believe what a rubbish market it is. We were just desperate to move and knowing it's an up and coming area, with lots of plus points, we just assumed we'd put it on the market and sell it Confused

Reading a lot of threads on here and I'm not sure I've got it in me!

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LifeHackQueens · 28/08/2018 10:24

If you're getting the viewings but not many offers, it could be the EA or price. I would ask a trusted friend to test with a viewing. Neutral decor, limited clutter, limited personal photos, 'stage' it. How does your sale price compare with surroundings properties?

WhatsGoingOnEh · 28/08/2018 10:44

Isn't the market slow now because of Brexit uncertainty?

I'd probably use this quiet time to declutter like a HURRICAINE, then get new photos taken afterwards.

Depersonalise every room. Decorate it, in a lovely neutral palette. Hire a storage unit to store 1/2 your furniture so it looks massively spacious (especially upstairs). Survive on the minimal clothes/accessories/belongings.

Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 28/08/2018 16:43

Thanks for the thread, Building.

Life, we don't really have clutter. It's very minimalist. I would say it's a house which is easy to imagine putting your stamp on. I'd say we're on for a realistic price, now we've reduced. We were on for a premium initially, due to location. Clearly not everyone wants to be near the train station and good schools though.

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crappyday2018 · 28/08/2018 17:03

This probably won't help matters but I've only just sold my house after it being on the market just over a year. Had loads of interest at first and a buyer within 2 weeks of it going on. They pulled out 12 weeks later!! Then another buyer 4 months later who pulled out a week later. It took a further 4 months to find another.
I found this year was so slow for viewings. It literally came to a standstill and was going weeks/months with not a single one. Its soul destroying. I had picture re-taken, then re-taken again. I moved furniture round, I bought extra furnishings etc.
I got there in the end though and you will too.
Is your house priced right in relation to others in your area?

Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 28/08/2018 18:35

crappy, that's really....crappy Confused

Thank god you're sorted now!

I think our house is priced correctly now , yes. We have a viewing on Friday, but I've got to the stage I just expect the same feedback that it's too small upstairs. It's a typical 3 bed semi, I would say, with one double and two singles, although those both fit double beds. The bathroom has recently been decorated and re fitted, again very neutral and modern. New carpets and flooring throughout. It's in good nick, I would say.

If the feedback on Friday and after that is still it's over priced (after our 15 reduction) I think we'll come off the market for a while. We can go below a certain figure, as I've said, so we wouldn't feel pressured into accepting a rubbish offer.

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Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 28/08/2018 18:38

*15 K reduction

*We CAN'T go below a certain figure

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Gobbolinothewitchscat · 28/08/2018 19:42

Do you feel brave enough to post a link. Often, I think estate agent photis are very poor. It can be hard to see beyond that if you live in the house as you "know" the rooms.

jemihap · 28/08/2018 20:17

What's the difference between a ''rubbish offer'' and a rubbish asking price?

Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 28/08/2018 20:31

Gob, I'm actually a wuss, so no I'm not brave enough Blush I think the photos are ok. The first lot weren't great, but I got them to take new ones straight away.

Jem, I know exactly what you're saying, but it doesn't matter, because it wouldn't be worth our while moving if we didn't get that amount, so even if we had to come off for a year or longer, then we'd just have to suck it up. Either someone buys it at that price or we don't move basically. I think it's on for a very fair price, but of course I understand a house is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. We may just need to wait longer than we hoped for that person who agrees.

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Cuppatea12 · 30/08/2018 08:35

Hi sorry to hear of your struggles on selling your House , mine went in 2 weeks , BUT now the Buyers are questioning silly things when there is nothing wrong with the property , I think they may pull out , I like you am in a good area for schools and transport , it really is a rollercoaster of emotions , hope you sell soon and all the best with it .

Alexalee · 30/08/2018 12:23

What price bracket are you in? I think prices under 400k are selling easily in a lot of areas... over that it's a bit sticky

Snog · 30/08/2018 14:01

Prices in Cambridge are going down not up so it could be a long wait to sell if you are unable to drop your price.

All it takes is one buyer who loves the place though.

Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 30/08/2018 16:38

Cuppatea keeping my fingers crossed for you! It certainly is an emotional rollercoaster Confused

Alex, no we're not in that bracelet. We're between 250k and 300k (first house...god it was so easy when we were FTB) I have noticed that a lot of the high bracket properties just aren't shifting, you're right.

Snog, we're not in Cambridge itself. I think prices round here are fairly steady because of the direct routes to Kings Cross. You're right. It does just take the one buyer. Need to stay positive.

I've completely gutted upstairs today and I have to say, it does look bigger. I didn't think it would because we barely have any furniture as it is! I've packed away so much and either been ruthless and chucked it or it's going in the attic. Hopefully the viewer tomorrow will fall in love and make an offer on the spot. A good one Wink

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Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 30/08/2018 21:19

Just wanted to update...

So yes, I have been tidying and sorting all day. I dare to step back and admire my work and then I knock over a glass of water over the carpet in our bedroom. No big deal, I thought. It's a glass of water, so it will dry and that will be that. Except, I suddenly panic and remember someone telling me that if a carpet becomes soaked, the underlay can bring up stains, so I thought the best thing to do was dry it quickly, before it soaks in. I see the hairdryer and think great! You see where this is going... . Carpet singed Angry I'm nearly in tears. It's in a really awkward place too. I.e, right next to the bed and I can't move the bed over, because due to the size and layout, it would make the room look smaller.

FFS! I really did almost cry. I know it's stupid, but when you've spent all day trying to make the house more saleable and then you do something so bloody stupid, which could potentially put someone off buying it....well, frustrated isn't the word! Really looking forward to the viewing tomorrow now!!

Anyway, just thought I'd share Hmm I'm off to go and bang my head against the wall.

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MovingThisYearHopefully · 31/08/2018 00:49

Put a rug over the mark NewDirection. Problem solved. Good luck with your viewing. Flowers

Original poster
NewDirectionNeeded · 31/08/2018 07:31

Moving, I don't have a rug and it would look really strange right next to the bed, no? Thank you. I appreciate it.

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MovingThisYearHopefully · 31/08/2018 11:06

We have a rug right next to the bed. It doesn't look strange at all. You can get cheap multicoloured rugs in Homebase. Small ones are about £3-£4 & large ones are about £7-£8. We bought a few before putting our house on to hide marks & gouges in flooring. My daughter also has a huge fluffy rug next to her bed & another infront of her wardrobe to hide the fact the carpet is in a terrible state, due to her hair dying adventures. Hmm

peachypetite · 31/08/2018 11:08

You'll get there. You only need one person to feel it's the perfect house for them. We have finally sold ours after switching estate agents and after 5 months of trying.

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